Classic.
“Dude, dude!” Axel, who’s seated behind me, taps me over the shoulder repeatedly. “There’s a store. Pull over!”
I glance at the convenience store they’re talking about
It’s right down the road.
But it’s not just any store.
I’ve been here before.
Hell, I’ve lived here before…
This is Lillian’s store.
Above it is the house where I lived for months after my dad died. Last I heard, Gray and Hadley work the register on school nights to help out their mom and make some money.
Matter of fact, Gray’s working the store tonight. That’s why he couldn’t hang out.
It feels so weird being here again.
The next thing I know, I’m turning into the parking lot, my eyes flocking to the large window on the second floor.
This is Hadley’s bedroom.
I wonder if she’s up there, sleeping like a baby.
Maybe she’s out with her boyfriend. It is Friday night.
Maybe they’re going at it on her bed. Images of her clawing at that guy’s back as he fucks her fill my vision, and I clench the wheel until I can’t feel my fingers.
“Holy fuck,” Deans blurts out just as I’m slowing down before the entrance. “Richards, isn’t that where the asshole from the party works?”
Brody’s eyes light up with realization. “Shit, I think you’re right.”
The asshole from the party?
“Did you ever get back at him for that stunt he pulled?” Axel questions.
“Him who?” I ask.
“Grayson Queen. The motherfucker whooped Brody’s ass last week.” Dean takes his closed fist to his mouth, stifling his laughter. “Gray heard Brody talking shit about his prudish sister and lost it.”
My eyes widen.
Hadley…
Brody’s features twist with anger at the recollection. “It’s not my fault his sister’s a stuck-up bitch.”
Dean snorts. “I don’t know how my brother does it. They’ve been dating for months, and she still won’t put out. If it were me, I’d have pinned that girl down and fucked that virgin pussy from day one.”
Rage replaces the blood in my veins.
He would’ve forced himself on her is what he’s saying.
It takes all I have not to follow Gray’s lead and crash my fist into his jaw.
“Bastard’s lucky I was wasted.” Brody clenches his teeth at the recollection, his anger picking up steam. “Man, I should wipe the fucking floor with that kid.”